CLAYTON — Former Antioch senior planner Mindy Gentry this week succeeded Community Development Director Charlie Mullen, who is retiring to Auburn after two-plus years on the job.

Gentry is a Clayton resident and an experienced planner who survived Antioch Planning Department downsizing, according to Clayton City Manager Gary Napper.

Gentry’s hiring is one of three key personnel changes for this small city’s staff. Police Chief Chris Thorsen is leaving to take the same position in Oakley by Aug. 1. Napper said Bob Murray & Associates has been hired to find an interim chief; the city will conduct its own internal and external search for a new permanent chief.

Thorsen worked for the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department and served as police chief in

Oakley before coming to Clayton. Napper said the City of Oakley chose not to renew its contract with the Sheriff’s Department, instead opting to form its own police department. It is only natural, Napper said, that Oakley would turn to Thorsen to become that city’s chief, given Thorsen’s familiarity with that city.

The most emotional departure announced at the June 16 Council meeting was that of city

maintenance lead worker Edward Bryce, Jr. retiring after 27 years of service in Clayton. Mayor David

Shuey invited Councilman Howard Geller to present Bryce’s Recognition of Service certificate and an elegant clock from the city.

Geller described how Bryce continued to upgrade his skills over the years, through classes and seminars. Geller also said Bryce has been especially valuable to the city, and the Clayton Valley community, as shown by the success of various community events.

Bryce reported that he has been with the city through seven city managers and five police chiefs. “I’m going to miss this place. I love the job,” he said. “There are a lot of wonderful people here.”

Councilwoman Julie Pierce responded, “We’re going to miss you more than you are going to miss us.”

Pierce recalled that Bryce has been a part of local government since the beginning of her public service career 28 years ago.

In other business, the Clayton council approved a final version of the 2015-2016 city budgets and heard a Trails and Landscape Committee report estimating a 17.6 percent increase in landscaping costs will be needed, largely due to the 45 percent state-mandated reduction of city water consumption.

Estimated landscaping costs for 2014-2015 jumped from $9.427 million to $10.846 million in 2015-2016. Fountains are being turned off and some grass is being sacrificed, while trees and bushes take priority for water. Much of the landscaping may need to be replaced, according to the report.

Councilman Keith Hayden inquired about the potentially increased cost of police services, which

constitutes 51.7 percent of the annual city budget. Financial Director Kevin Mizuno said negotiations for a new police employee contract are still going on, and there is nothing in the budget for anticipated increases. There is a small surplus of $28,516, but that may not be enough to compensate for added police costs.